How to Reduce Feminine Odor

by
ROSE KIVI Last Updated: Aug 16, 2013

Rose Kivi

Rose Kivi has been a writer for more than 10 years. She has a background in the nursing field, wildlife rehabilitation and habitat conservation. Kivi has authored educational textbooks, patient health care pamphlets, animal husbandry guides, outdoor survival manuals and was a contributing writer for two books in the Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader Series.

Reduce feminine odor by following a regular vaginal care routine.Photo Credit power woman image by JulianMay.co.uk from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

It is not uncommon to worry if other people can smell your vaginal odor, but the concern is usually unwarranted. TeensHealth, a service provided by the Nemours Foundation, assures women " that under normal circumstances, no one ever smells any odors from a girl's vagina." A healthy vagina's scent is usually mild, although some women naturally produce a stronger odor than others. If you are experiencing strong vaginal odors, visit your gynecologist to rule out any health problems. With a clean bill of health, you can follow routine hygiene and vaginal care practices to keep odors to a minimum.

Step 1

Shower everyday to remove sweat and bacteria from your skin. Wash your vulva--the external areas of your vagina--daily with mild soap and water or skip the soap and instead use water alone. Soap can cause vaginal irritation in some women, leading to increased feminine odor. Water alone is sufficient to clean the vulva effectively, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or ACOG.

Step 2

Avoid using feminine deodorant sprays, scented tampons, feminine wipes, scented toilet paper and douches. These products can increase feminine odor by causing vaginal irritation, bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Douching changes the pH levels of the vagina, making it less friendly to the good bacteria that ward off infections. ACOG advises women to refrain from douching to "reduce the risk of getting vaginitis."

Step 3

Wear cotton underwear. Cotton is a breathable material and allows air to penetrate the fabric, which reduces feminine odor by keeping the vagina dry. Change your underwear once a day, more often if desired. Wear a nightgown and go pantiless at night to give your vagina an extra boost of fresh air.

Step 5

Step 6

Change your tampons and sanitary pads every three hours to reduce odor related to menstrual blood.

Warnings

Seek treatment from a licensed medical professional if you have unusual vaginal odors, discharge or other abnormal symptoms. Gray, green, lumpy, fishy smelling, unusually strong smelling, or unusual amounts of vaginal discharge can be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease (STD), a bacterial infection or a fungal infection. Vaginal irritation, itchiness, burning and irritation are also possible symptoms of infection, STD or other health problems, including cancer.